# Scene IV explained — As You Like It

> Chapter companion for As You Like It by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Rosalind, Celia, and Touchstone arrive in the Forest of Arden, weary and hungry. They encounter the shepherd Corin and the lovelorn Silvius, whose passionate lament for Phebe mirrors Rosalind's own feelings for Orlando. Touchstone also recalls his own past follies in love. Corin explains that his master's land is for sale, and Rosalind proposes to buy it, offering to pay for the cottage and pasture so they can settle in the forest.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Silvius's passionate lament for Phebe and Touchstone's recollection of his own love follies highlight the irrational and transformative nature of love.

### Disguise and Deception

Rosalind and Celia remain in disguise as Ganymede and Aliena, allowing them to observe and interact with others while concealing their true identities.

## Character check-ins

### Rosalind

Disguised as Ganymede, she feels weary but tries to comfort Celia; she is moved by Silvius's love-sickness, recognizing her own feelings for Orlando.

### Celia

Disguised as Aliena, she is exhausted and faint from travel, and expresses a liking for the forest.

### Touchstone

Jests about his weariness and recalls his own past love follies, providing comic relief.

### Corin

A shepherd who advises Silvius and offers hospitality to the travelers, explaining his master's churlishness and the sale of the land.

### Silvius

A lovelorn shepherd who passionately laments his unrequited love for Phebe, then abruptly exits.

## Key lines

> O Jupiter, how weary are my spirits!

Oh Jupiter, my spirits are so tired!

_Rosalind expresses her exhaustion upon entering the forest._

> I could find in my heart to disgrace my man’s apparel and to cry like a woman; but I must comfort the weaker vessel, as doublet and hose ought to show itself courageous to petticoat: therefore courage, good Aliena!

I feel like crying like a woman, but since I'm dressed as a man, I must be brave for Celia's sake.

_Rosalind struggles with her disguise, feeling the need to be strong for Celia._

> Alas, poor shepherd! searching of thy wound, I have by hard adventure found mine own.

Poor shepherd! In examining your pain, I've discovered my own heartache.

_Rosalind recognizes her own love for Orlando in Silvius's suffering._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/as_you_like_it_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/as_you_like_it_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/as_you_like_it_se/chapters